The 2026 Presidents' Athletic Conference Football Media Day will be held on August 4 in Latrobe, Pennsylvania, marking the 19th consecutive year that Saint Vincent College has served as host. The gathering brings together coaches, players and media for a preview of the upcoming season.
Award Honors Veteran Media Figure
Long‑time PAC journalist Ed Mailliard will receive the Dow Carnahan Media Award, a tribute to his five decades of coverage that have shaped the conference’s narrative and connected fans with the sport.
PAC Commissioner Joe Onderko is set to open the event with a welcome address, emphasizing the conference’s growth and the excitement surrounding the new season.
The day will feature remarks from each of the twelve member programs, with head coaches and player representatives outlining expectations and storylines. A live broadcast will be streamed through the PAC Sports Network, allowing fans across the country to tune in.
Preseason Poll and Team Spotlights
A preseason poll will be released during the event, offering an early glimpse of how coaches anticipate the 2026 standings shaping up. The poll results will be based on input from the member schools’ coaching staffs.
Representing Saint Francis University, head coach Chris Villarrial will join junior defensive back Campbell Melzer on the media panel. Their participation highlights the program’s recent progress and the anticipation surrounding the upcoming campaign.
Bethany College will be represented by head coach David Blake alongside junior quarterback Brett Phillips, who is expected to lead the Bison’s offense. Both coaches expressed optimism about their teams’ prospects.
Saint Vincent College will showcase its own coaching staff, with head coach Casey Goff and senior wide receiver Chris Downs taking part in the discussions. Their presence reflects the host institution’s commitment to engaging with the broader conference community.
The event underscores the collaborative spirit of the Presidents' Athletic Conference, blending tradition with the promise of competitive football in the coming year.